Alice Bartee Heath

Alice Bartee Heath, 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, accomplished musician and scholar, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. Born on March 19, 1935, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Alice was a beacon of love, wisdom, and grace throughout her remarkable life. Her legacy is one of devotion—to her family, her faith, and the pursuit of knowledge and her many other interests.

 Alice grew up in Ardmore, where she cultivated a lifelong love of music and learning. She earned her undergraduate degree in English from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and later obtained her master’s degree in English from the University of Tulsa. A lifelong educator, Alice taught Sunday School classes to a myriad of different age groups and later dedicated her teaching career to shaping minds as an English professor at Oral Roberts University and Tulsa Community College. Her passion for literature and language inspired countless students, and she was renowned for her intellect, wit, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

 Alice’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. As an active member of Woodland Acres and First Baptist churches, she served as a beloved teacher, pianist and church historian. Her wisdom and love for people enriched her church community, and she found immense joy in finding fun and creative ways to share her love of music and scripture. Alice also had a gift for hospitality, delighting in making myriads of people feel at ease in her home. Her home was a sanctuary of laughter, love, and celebration.

In 1956, Alice married Allan Leon Heath, her partner of 68 extraordinary years. Together, they built a family and a life defined by deep affection and mutual respect. Though they were complete opposites in many ways, their love was a testament to the beauty of unity and understanding. Allan survives her, carrying forward their shared legacy of love and devotion.

Alice is also survived by her six children, each of whom she cherished deeply: John Heath (Nancy), Jim Heath, Steve Heath (Edna), Jennifer Heath, Julie Heath, and Tom Heath (Linda). Her grandchildren, Julianne Gideon, Grant Heath, Zach Heath, Jake Heath, and Hannah Bressler, brought immense joy to her life, as did her great-grandchildren, Olivia and Henry. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Myrtle Bartee and siblings Frances Cornell and Edward Heath, whose values and spirit she carried forward in her own family.

A woman of immense intelligence, talent and boundless love, Alice touched every life she encountered. Her memory will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of Alice’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on January 28, 2025, at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, 5111 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK 74145. The family invites all who knew and loved Alice to join them in honoring her remarkable life. 

Alice Bartee Heath’s light may have dimmed on this earth, but her legacy will shine brightly in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Her love, laughter, and wisdom will remain an enduring blessing to all who were fortunate to call her their own.